Shakira, Madonna and BTS Confirmed for Historic 2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show

By: Shawn
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will make history with the introduction of its first-ever halftime show, and FIFA has selected Shakira, Madonna, and BTS as the headline performers for the occasion.

Scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the event is intended to merge elite football with large-scale live entertainment while supporting educational opportunities for children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature a halftime show led by Shakira, Madonna and BTS at MetLife Stadium.
‎Getty Images Entertainment 

The announcement was delivered through a creative social media presentation featuring characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. FIFA also confirmed that Chris Martin will oversee the halftime production.

Each performer enters the tournament period with major projects already underway. Shakira recently unveiled “Dai Dai,” the official tournament song recorded alongside Burna Boy. Madonna is preparing for the release of her upcoming album, Confessions II, while BTS continue their widely followed return after military service and the March launch of their sixth studio album, Arirang.

Beyond the final, FIFA has assembled an extensive entertainment schedule throughout the tournament. The opening ceremony on June 12 at SoFi Stadium will feature performances from Katy Perry and Future. Celebrations are also planned for the Canadian and Mexican opening matches, led by Michael Bublé in Toronto and J Balvin in Mexico City.

FIFA’s approach reflects the scale of the expanded 48-team competition and its effort to reach audiences through music, entertainment, and cultural programming alongside football action.

As anticipation builds toward kickoff in North America, teams are finalising preparations for the opening fixtures. The United States will open against Paraguay in California, while Mexico are set to host South Africa at Azteca Stadium. At the same time, BTS remain on a sold-out global tour, and Madonna is preparing for a major appearance at the Tribeca Festival, setting the stage for a globally anticipated halftime performance in New Jersey.

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